Cincinnati awaits, but first let’s win a series!
Braves vs. Red Sox Chat and Discussion: Chris Sale vs. Payton Tolle
The Canadiens Are Not There Yet
Much has been written and said in recent days about the Montreal Canadiens needing to shoot more in their Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. After Game 3, coach Martin St-Louis admitted that his team needed to generate a higher volume of shots after spending the season brushing aside concerns over the lack of shots. While we weren’t in the video room with the team on Tuesday, there’s no doubt that St-Louis told his men that they needed to shoot more. Then, on Wednesday night, 21,000 people told them as well when they replaced the traditional “Go Habs Go” chant with an annoyed: “Shoot the puck!”
The problem, however, is that something else needs to be fixed before the Canadiens can take more shots: they need to get out of their own zone. When the puck dropped on Game 4, play immediately went in the Canadiens’ zone, and the Hurricanes started to control play. When the Habs got the puck back, be it on a rebound or by intercepting a pass, they were unable to do anything with it, aside from turning it over most of the time.
Canadiens' Dobes Deserved Better
Lifeless Canadiens Lose 4-0 At Home
Canadiens’ Suzuki Must Lead The Way
How many attempted lob clearances have we seen in this series? Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Jake Evans have all attempted that kind of play and failed to execute it. Even worse, there are times when the Habs don’t even get the opportunity to miss that play because by the time they’ve decided what they want to do with the puck, they’ve had their pocket picked.
If you can’t exit the zone, it will be hard to get more shots on net. We’ve often heard that when a player has reached his ceiling, the game slows down for him and he can make the right reads and decisions in seconds. At times this season, it genuinely looked like the game had slowed down for the Canadiens’ top line, but not in these playoffs. If anything, it looks like the Hurricanes are playing at ludicrous speed, yes, the same speed spaceships can reach in Spaceballs.
What’s the solution? There may not be one right now. The Canadiens are in the fourth year of their rebuild, and they’ve yet to reach the Hurricanes’ level of experience and dedication to their system. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton’s job is not done yet, far from it. Martin St-Louis is doing what he can with the roster he has, but he cannot get on the ice himself. It’s up to the players to execute, and the fact is that there are still key pieces missing in the puzzle. As for the pieces that are already there, they appear to be running on empty.
Last season in the playoffs, the Canadiens learned from the Washington Capitals that the postseason is physically demanding, and you need to be ready to be hit. This time around, the Canadiens are watching an execution clinic. Carolina is just so good at executing their game plan that the Canadiens are watching the train go by. If the series is to end in five games on Friday night, though, the Habs will still be able to hold their heads high; they’ve learned a lot this postseason. They’ve learned to play with incredibly high stakes, and they've closed two series in Game 7, which is priceless. Down the line, all that experience will come in handy, even if the players are hurting right now.
Shake and Blake then add some Stank 😤 pic.twitter.com/3m5Fos7U9B
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 28, 2026
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Warriors shut out of NBA regular season awards
In today’s Dub Hub:
- Warriors come up empty in NBA awards race for the first time in over a decade.
- Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of Klay Thompson’s legendary Game 6 performance against the Thunder in the 2016 Western Conference Finals.
- Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama receives a warning for skipping media availability following Game 5 loss vs. Thunder.
The NBA officially wrapped up this year’s regular season awards on Tuesday after naming Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla the Coach of the Year. For the Golden State Warriors, however, the announcement marked the end of a rare and unfamiliar awards season as the franchise came up completely empty across all major honors.
It’s the first time in well over a decade that Golden State failed to produce a major award winner, All-NBA selection, All-Defensive selection, or even an All-Rookie honoree, according to RealGM. A full list of this season’s winners and final voting results can be found here on NBA.com.
The only Warrior to receive any recognition was Draymond Green, who earned votes for both the NBA All-Defensive Team and the Defensive Player of the Year award, though not nearly enough to emerge as a serious contender in either race.
Outside of Green, no other Warrior even received a vote across the league’s major regular season awards. While injuries certainly played a role in that, the bigger picture is how far the roster has drifted from their championship-caliber standard that once made Golden State a fixture throughout awards season.
Now entering a pivotal summer with the No. 11 pick in the NBA Draft and potential for some cap flexibility, the Warriors look to retool their roster in hopes of returning to relevance among the Western Conference contenders.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Thursday, May 27th:
Warriors News:
NBA extension watch: 20 players who could shape the offseason | ESPN
The next contract: Curry signs the fourth extension in his career. The unknown, however, is whether the extension would be for the full amount or if Curry would take less. The 2027 offseason is the next opportunity for the Warriors to reshape their roster. With three players under contract (Moses Moody, Gui Santos, Will Richard), Golden State has financial flexibility to improve its roster in free agency.
Warriors conduct another round of pre-draft workouts on Thursday
Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of “Game 6 Klay” vs. OKC
NBA News:
Victor Wembanyama skips postgame media session after Spurs’ Game 5 loss to Thunder | The Athletic
A large crowd of reporters was still in the Spurs’ visiting locker room, all of them waiting around to hear what the 22-year-old big man had to say about why he struggled so mightily Tuesday night as the Thunder took a 3-2 series lead. But as Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox was addressing the reporters, Wembanyama surprised the media masses and walked right past them on the way to the team bus. He took a left at the PayCom Center hallway, walked a few hundred feet more, then veered off into the night while team officials and reporters alike were stunned by his choice not to fulfill the media duties that are mandated by the NBA.
Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla named NBA’s Coach of the Year
In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:
Festival Jimmy? Warriors’ Butler wows crowd at BottleRock
The Golden State Warriors’ injured star looked spry as he joined Teddy Swims on the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage at Bottlerock in Napa. He threw peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the crowd, seemingly because it was the Culinary Stage, professed his love for the Bay Area, and even danced to Shaboozey while telling the crowd, “Don’t tell Steve [Kerr]! I got a torn ACL!”
Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
When is the Stanley Cup? NHL releases schedule possibilities for 2026 Final
The NHL released two potential Stanley Cup Final schedules on Thursday May 28, depending on whether the Carolina Hurricanes wrap up the Eastern Conference finals in Game 5.
If the Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, May 29, the Stanley Cup Final will start on June 2 and run through June 17 if it goes the distance. If the Canadiens win and extend the conference finals to six or seven games, the Final will start on June 4 and potentially run through June 20.
The Vegas Golden Knights clinched a spot in the final by sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals.
They finished with fewer points than the Hurricanes and Canadiens, so they'll start the series on the road and host Games 3, 4 and a possible Game 6. The Eastern winner will host Games 1, 2 and Games 5 and 7, if needed.
Stanley Cup Final schedule scenarios
If Hurricanes win Game 5
- Game 1: Tuesday, June 2, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
- Game 2: Thursday, June 4, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
- Game 3: Saturday, June 6, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
- Game 4: Tuesday, June 9, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
- x-Game 5: Thursday, June 11, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
- x-Game 6: Sunday, June 14, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
- x-Game 7: Wednesday, June 17, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
If conference finals last six or seven games
- Game 1: Thursday, June 4, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
- Game 2: Saturday, June 6, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
- Game 3 Tuesday, June 9, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
- Game 4: Thursday, June 11, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
- x-Game 5: Sunday, June 14, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
- x-Game 6: Wednesday, June 17, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
- x-Game 7: Saturday, June 20, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stanley Cup 2026 schedule scenarios announced by NHL
What the NBA Draft Lottery reform rules are and how they could affect the Suns
It is official. The NBA has passed draft lottery reform, with 29 of the 30 teams voting in favor (Memphis being the only team to vote against the anti-tanking measures).
In search of a way to discourage tanking, the NBA decided that drastic changes to the draft lottery were the best approach. They may be right, and the new lottery system will be a big change from the previous one. With the Suns not having control over their own draft picks until 2032, it won’t change much for them in the near future, but it could still affect the picks they’ve already traded or swapped (whoever finally uses them). More on that later.
NBA Draft Lottery System Reforms
#1: The NBA will expand the lottery from 14 to 16 teams.
This isn’t because of the proposed expansion to 32 teams. When expansion comes, they will likely further expand the draft to 18 teams…although this point hasn’t been reported on yet. What it does mean is that, along with the 14 teams that miss the playoffs, the 8th seed playoff teams from both the East and West will also get a shot in the lottery.
#2: The Lottery odds will change drastically, as will the drawing process.
Previously, they drew lots to select the teams to get the top 4 picks in the draft, with the rest picking in order of their regular season records, worst to best. Now, every pick 1-16 will be determined through actual lottery picks with the odds greatly leveled, which will hopefully make tanking a less attractive strategy. No team in the lottery will have much of an advantage over the others, and the 3 teams with the worst regular season records will actually have a worse chance to get one of the top 3 picks than the 4th through 10th worst teams. The odds are as follows:
- Teams 1-3: Each has an equal 5.4% chance of landing the number 1 pick.
- Teams 4-10: Each has an equal 8.1% chance of landing the number 1 pick.
- Teams 11-14: Each has an equal 5.4% chance of landing the number 1 pick.
- Teams 15-16: Each has an equal 2.7% chance of landing the number 1 pick.
The new system allocates 37 lottery balls across 16 teams. The three lowest-ranked teams receive two balls each, teams four through ten receive three, play-in seeds nine and 10 receive two, and the seven-vs-eight play-in loser receives one (2.7%). All 16 lottery picks will be drawn, with the three worst-record teams unable to fall below 12th.
This version is more like the original lottery system used from 1985 through 1989, where every team had equal odds and every position was drawn for, than more recent systems. The new system sounds a bit wacky but it might work in regard to discouraging tanking…at least some of it. Why try for the worst record in the NBA when that will get you worse odds in the lottery? It might even prove fun to watch the teams with the worst records actually fighting to win games at the end of the season to improve their lottery odds!
#3: There will now be pick “limits”.
To prevent franchises from accumulating top-tier talent year after year, teams are restricted from selecting No. 1 overall in back-to-back seasons or securing a top-five pick in three consecutive drafts. These rules apply to the original team, not the pick’s current holder. Even if it’s traded to another team, these rules still apply to the pick, no matter who uses it, and they apply retroactively.
For example, the Wizards, who won the 2026 lottery, cannot land the first pick again in 2027…even if it’s traded to someone else. Also, the Utah Jazz, which selected fifth in 2025 and second in 2026, cannot finish in the top five in 2027. Although Utah traded its 2027 1st round pick to Memphis for Jaren Jackson Jr., this rule would bar the Grizzlies from receiving a top-five pick in the lottery through it.
In the event a team’s pick is drawn in the lottery in a position where it is not permitted to be, then that pick would be moved down to the first permissible draft position.
#4: Draft penalties for tanking can be imposed.
Teams face severe fines (up to $10 million) and potential loss of draft picks for “tanking behavior,” such as sitting perfectly healthy starters in the final weeks of the season to drop in the standings. The league will also have expanded disciplinary authority to reduce lottery odds and/or modify draft positions for teams.
#5: There will be new draft pick protection limits.
Teams will no longer be able to protect picks that fall into the 12 to 15 slots. Why 12-15? Your guess is as good as mine, as I’ve not found an explanation for this rule so far.
#6: The lottery reforms affect the second round, too.
The first 16 picks of the second round will now be in the reverse order of the first round.
While none of the bottom three teams can fall further than 12th in the first round, the team with the fourth-worst record could possibly fall all the way to No. 16. But if that’s the case, that team would get the first pick of the second round (No. 31). Conversely, the team that wins the lottery would pick 46th overall in the second round.
The “Sunset Provision”
There is also a “sunset provision” which will allow the new system to expire after the 2029 draft. After that, the board of governors will vote to either continue with the system or transition to a new one. Whatever they decide to do then, the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2029-2030 season, at which time they could possibly change it all once again.
There has also been some talk of the NBA moving away from the lottery system entirely if the new system doesn’t work as well as they hope and institutes a “draft credit” system similar to a Fantasy Football-style auction. In that type of system, every franchise would be awarded an equal allotment of “draft credits,” which teams would use to bid on rookies in an auction, starting at the No. 1 overall pick and proceeding down the board. Front offices would trade portions of their credit allotment to other teams in exchange for veteran players rather than trading actual draft picks. This option is still only in the discussion stage and not a part of the latest reforms, though.
Implications for the Suns
Some might think, “So what? The Suns have no control over their 1st round picks until 2032. This won’t affect us at all until then.” There you’d be wrong to a certain degree.
Pretty much everyone agrees that the Suns need to acquire more draft picks; they can. If you thought they were worth their weight in gold before, now they’re more likely worth their weight in platinum, which is going to make it even harder to pry them away from other teams. And you can pretty much forget about ever getting control of the Suns’ own picks back. If these rules had been in effect for this year’s lottery, as the 8th seed in the West, the 2026 pick that’s going to Memphis at 16 would have instead been in the lottery with a very good chance of moving up to a top 10 pick and a 2.7% chance of landing 1st. Unless the Suns return as a much stronger team in 2026-27, other teams will view those picks as potential lottery tickets, even without the Suns trying to tank.
In short, these changes are very likely going to make the Suns’ retooling/rebuilding efforts even more difficult in the short term simply because they are going to make first round draft picks, especially future firsts, even more valuable than they are now, making them even more difficult for the Suns to acquire…at least as long as this system remains in place.
On the plus side, it does at least make the future first round picks that the Suns still own even more valuable if they decide to use them in a trade. I know many, if not most, Suns fans cringe at the idea of trading away any more of their 1st round picks, but if a deal came along that was just too good to pass up, it’s nice to know that the added value might be just enough to make it happen.
High Stakes for St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs This Weekend?
Let’s not be overdramatic since it’s only the end of May, but I believe this weekend’s St. Louis Cardinals versus Chicago Cubs clash at Busch Stadium is more important than we probably think all because of one word – trajectory.
As a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan I have somehow obtained an alarming number of Chicago Cubs fans in my friend group. Please don’t hold that against me or them. From an intel standpoint, it’s enabled me to find out what our arch enemy fanbase is thinking and right now there’s big concern which translates into a great opportunity for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Chicago Cubs began the 2026 season on a tear with one of the best offenses in baseball
If you look at just the first 30 games of the 2026 campaign, the Chicago Cubs were raking. They were top 5 in nearly all of the offensive categories with a .354 OBP during the first month averaging around 5.5 runs per game. Everyone in the NL Central were looking up at them with a 20-13 record at one point, but then May arrived and the Cubs…flatlined. The torrid bats went silent with Chicago ranking 14th in MLB with a .242 average in May and an on-base percentage of only .333, but on-base plus slugging wasn’t awful at .720. Overall, the Chicago Cubs have a win-loss record of 10-16 in May losing 10 of the last 11 games. My Cubs friends see this as troubling. I see this as a Cardinals opportunity.
The St. Louis Cardinals have their own concerns since May 1
In Cardinals nation, we know that our young St. Louis team has overachieved what most thought possible in 2026. May has not been kind to St. Louis, though. As of today, the Cardinals have a win-loss record of 11-12 since May 1. If I had to pinpoint one game that was a turning point (in the wrong direction), it was the May 10 game when the Cardinals were one strike away from beating the San Diego Padres then Riley O’Brien proved himself vulnerable. The other heartbreaker was the second game of the doubleheader on May 23 when Cincinnati beat St. Louis 7-6 in extras. After this week’s sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cardinals have lost 4 games in a row heading into the weekend series versus Chicago.
If you look at the month of May so far, the St. Louis Cardinals offense has become the very definition of “meh”. Team batting average for May is a meager .238 which ranks 16th in MLB. The bottom of the St. Louis Cardinals batting order has become an even bigger liability this month and the team barely mustered any RISP opportunities versus Milwaukee at all.
My point is that both the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs have an opportunity to change their trajectory this weekend at Busch Stadium. A dominant weekend by either team could make all the difference as we get into the summer months. What’s the St. Louis Cardinals pitching plans for the Cubs series? As of today, it looks like St. Louis will start Kyle Leahy Friday night, Andre Pallante Saturday night and Matthew Liberatore Sunday night. I haven’t seen any official Chicago Cubs lineups yet, but I think Friday night’s pitcher is Shota Imanaga while Ben Brown will start for the tiny bears Saturday night and Jordan Wicks Sunday night.
This might defy my goal of not being overdramatic, but this weekend’s St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs series reminds me of the end of Rocky II where both Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed have fallen to the canvas and the winner is the one who gets up first. No, the Cardinals and Cubs are not playing for a world championship this weekend, but symbolically the team that gets up off of the mat first this weekend might just be the one who remains competitive into the summer. Will the St. Louis Cardinals be Balboa or Creed? Let’s hope our “tarps off” crowd gets that Rocky chant (and our bats) going this weekend.
Debunking the Padres trade rumors
It is hard to imagine, but the 2026 MLB season is heading into June. Clubs will begin evaluating their rosters and identifying their weaknesses. Then, decide which players from other teams to target at the trade deadline.
Of course, the media has the Padres linked to several players in trade rumors. Let’s break down why each player is the perfect addition to the roster.
Padres linked to Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman
The Friars’ offense has struggled to produce all season. If you cannot put runs on the scoreboard, you need to keep the score close on most nights. It is wise to build the best bullpen in baseball by adding another quality arm.
Dennis Lin of The Athletic (paid subscription required) was the first to report that the Padres have identified Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman as a possible trade deadline acquisition.
He has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season in Boston. Chapman has posted a 0.51 ERA with 12 saves in 18 appearances. His addition to the ‘pen gives the Friars a lefty-righty combo that has the experience to close out games.
The “Cuban Missile” has a mutual option for the 2027 season; it is unlikely to be exercised by both sides. The asking price from Boston will not come cheap, as their front office will need to scout the Friars minor league system.
If your team has trouble scoring runs, acquiring Chapman lowers the odds of opponents mounting a comeback late in games.
Could the Padres participate in Skubal sweepstakes?
To the surprise of no one, Detroit Tigers Tarik Skubal has been the subject of trade rumors. The two-time Cy Young Award winner will become a free agent at the conclusion of this season. The Tigers are languishing at the bottom of the American League Central. They trail the Cleveland Guardians by 10 ½ games in the standings.
The Friars could join the chase for his services, but Skubal must officially hit the trade block first. That final decision by the Tigers could come closer to the deadline. First, their front office must determine the state of the roster before engaging in trade talks.
The Tigers have battled through numerous injuries to their starting rotation, but the organization is hoping the team will get on a roll and move up in the standings. If there are any signs of life, Skubal is staying in Detroit for the remainder of the season.
The left-hander has been out of the rotation since May 4, as he underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his throwing elbow. Skubal has begun rehabbing and could rejoin the Tigers’ starting rotation next month.
The Padres will need to see him pitch in actual games before any trade discussions take place.
Are the Rockies a perfect trade partner
If the Friars fail to acquire Chapman, they will turn their attention to Colorado Rockies reliever Antonio Senzatela. Another trade option that upgrades an already elite bullpen.
The right-hander converted to the ‘pen out of necessity because his arm could not handle the workload as a starting pitcher. Senzatela cemented his role as a dominant setup reliever, posting a 1.13 ERA over 32 innings this season. It is the perfect opportunity for the Rockies to move him and replenish their minor league system.
Mason Miller is clearly the best closer in baseball, and the addition of Senzatela to the mix makes the bullpen more balanced from the sixth inning on. Also, the Friars increase their chances of clinching a postseason berth.
Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller is constantly on the phone looking for a potential trade partner. He is always open to making a move if it helps the team win. So, no one should be surprised that the Friars are linked to several players as the trade market heats up.
Adding any of these pitching options would be a step in the right direction.
The Yankees Rotation Depth Inventory: May
With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón back in the Yankees’ rotation, a staff that began the year in flux (and excelled despite it) is beginning to settle in. Still, with Max Fried a ways off from returning, the odds that the team will need to dip into its depth at Triple-A, either for a spot start or to replace an injured starter, remain high. Let’s take a look at who’s available down at Triple-A should additional reinforcements be needed. Note that Luis Gil has been on the minor-league IL with shoulder inflammation since May 8th, so he’s not in the discussion.
Elmer Rodríguez
In three starts with the Yankees this season, Rodríguez has clearly not been at his best. Baseball America’s 59th-ranked prospect entering the year has struck out six against nine walks; at Triple-A, his K:BB ratio is a much more tenable 34:15. Still, despite this underwhelming demonstration of his stuff and the fact that he didn’t make it through five innings in any of the outings, Rodríguez kept the Yankees in all three games, showing a tenacity and focus that belie his years and raise his floor.
Given his prospect pedigree and promising showing in limited MLB action, the 22-year-old remains the Yankees’ best option, whether for a single start or for a few turns through the rotation. One cause for alarm in the event Rodríguez gets another shot soon is his 6.03 expected ERA, a number which dwarfs his actual 4.15 mark.
Brendan Beck
When Ryan Weathers was ill on May 7th, Brendan Beck’s life was forever changed. He got the call to fill in, pitching behind opener Paul Blackburn and allowing two runs in three innings of work. It was a fine-if-unremarkable debut, the largest takeaway from which may have been that it forced the Yankees to add him to their 40-man roster.
Beck’s 4.42 ERA in 10 starts with Scranton doesn’t jump out and, at 27 with an injury history, the Stanford product has never been a top prospect (MLB Pipeline has 12 Yankees pitchers ahead of him in their rankings). Still, if another spot start is in order, the fact that the 2021 second-round pick can easily be called up without having to make room on the 40-man is appealing, particularly if the timing doesn’t line up with Rodríguez’s turn in the rotation. The right-hander has thrown at least 80 pitches each of his last three starts and should be able to give length if called upon.
Carlos Lagrange
Lagrange, he of the 103-mph fastball, may be the most tantalizing hurler in wait at Triple-A. There’s little question he has the raw stuff to pitch in the bigs. But, in 10 starts, he’s gone 0-2 with a 4.78 ERA and a 4.98 BB/9. That’s hardly enough to jump Rodríguez and Beck, both of whom are on the 40-man. There’s been talk that his repertoire could make him a more viable weapon out of the bullpen, and that could eventually come to pass in the second half of 2026. For now, the Yankees have insisted on keeping him stretched out. The coming months will be an important opportunity for the 23-year-old to show he can stick in a rotation, but he’ll need to show more before he’s in serious play for a start in the Show.
Ryan Yarbrough & Paul Blackburn
As always, in the event a spot start is called for, a bullpen game will be in play. Both Yarbrough and Blackburn have performed reasonably well in long relief roles and have extensive starting experience, making them options to pitch multiple innings either as openers or bulk arms.
After making three solid fill-in starts, Elmer Rodríguez remains the clear next man up, effectively serving as the Yankees’ shadow sixth starter. Brendan Beck is a useful depth option should Rodríguez be unavailable, with a bullpen game another avenue the team could take in a pinch.
The Short Porch is worried about Jameson Taillon and the long ball
The Cubs finally snapped their 10-game losing streak Wednesday night in Pittsburgh and you could almost feel the sigh of relief on the North Side of Chicago. They posted 10 runs against the Pirates while holding the Buccos to just four. Under ordinary circumstances I’d just want to savor this win and not worry about problems that can be dealt with some other day. However, these aren’t ordinary times. The losing skid has the Cubs in third place in the NL Central, 4.5 games behind the Brewers. The Cubs need to make up ground and the Jameson Taillon home run issue is a bit too big to push to his next start.
All of the runs the Cubs gave up yesterday came on the 18th and 19th home runs Taillon has given up in 2026. Taillon has given up 20 or more home runs in each of the last six seasons. That’s a bit on the high side for season long home runs, but not terribly so. Basically a manageable issue, prior to 2026. You can see some of Taillon’s stats since 2021 below:
| Season | Team | HR | W | L | G | IP | K/9 | BB/9 | HR/9 | BABIP | LOB% | GB% | HR/FB | K% | BB% | ERA | xERA | FIP | xFIP | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NYY | 24 | 8 | 6 | 29 | 144.1 | 8.73 | 2.74 | 1.50 | .272 | 73.09% | 33.17% | 12.12% | 23.22% | 7.30% | 4.30 | 3.93 | 4.43 | 4.69 | 1.9 |
| 2022 | NYY | 26 | 14 | 5 | 32 | 177.1 | 7.66 | 1.62 | 1.32 | .276 | 75.33% | 40.07% | 12.38% | 20.74% | 4.40% | 3.91 | 4.20 | 3.94 | 3.79 | 2.4 |
| 2023 | CHC | 27 | 8 | 10 | 29 | 150.1 | 8.20 | 2.39 | 1.62 | .293 | 63.67% | 38.46% | 13.99% | 21.44% | 6.26% | 4.97 | 4.77 | 4.67 | 4.45 | 1.4 |
| 2024 | CHC | 21 | 12 | 8 | 28 | 165.1 | 6.80 | 1.80 | 1.14 | .269 | 76.29% | 40.08% | 10.19% | 18.52% | 4.89% | 3.27 | 4.04 | 3.92 | 4.16 | 2.3 |
| 2025 | CHC | 24 | 11 | 7 | 23 | 129.2 | 6.80 | 1.87 | 1.67 | .232 | 80.27% | 33.76% | 13.64% | 18.88% | 5.20% | 3.68 | 3.84 | 4.65 | 4.34 | 1.1 |
| 2026 | CHC | 19 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 60.1 | 7.61 | 2.98 | 2.83 | .235 | 80.20% | 33.90% | 20.40% | 20.10% | 7.90% | 5.37 | 5.24 | 6.57 | 4.63 | -0.9 |
The next home run Jameson Taillon gives up in 2026 will be his 20th home run of the season. You read that right. To put this in perspective, in approximately half to a third of the innings he’s pitched this season, Taillon has already given up 19 home runs. He gave up 24 in 129.2 innings last season and just 21 in 165.1 innings the season before.
Given the Cubs current pitching injury situation, this isn’t merely a problem, it’s a potentially unavoidable crisis. The next man up should Taillon be unable to start for any amount of time is probably Javier Assad. The Cubs already tried an alternative starter with Jordan Wicks making his 2026 season debut earlier this week. For reference, here’s the line Wicks put up in that start: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 BB 5 K (plus a home run of his own).
To his credit, Taillon has acknowledged the problem. After a rough outing against the White Sox he stated that “at the end of the day homers are thrown, not hit.” His fly-ball heavy, working in the zone profile makes him naturally susceptible to this kind of damage.
Those comments are all well and good, but summer is coming. As the weather heats up Cubs pitchers, including Taillon, should be expected to give up more home runs, not fewer. It’s not exactly a comfortable thought to project out what Taillon’s home run totals could look like if he were to give up home runs at the same rate he’s given them up through March, April and May. It’s a potential catastrophe to imagine what they could look like if that rate gets even worse as the weather improves. Especially given the innings the Cubs need Taillon to cover over the rest of this season.
Lonzo Ball gives blunt assessment on $240 million Austin Reaves question facing Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into one of their most important roster decisions in years, and Austin Reaves has become a central figure in that debate.
As the 27-year-old guard approaches unrestricted free agency, a potential five-year, $240 million extension hangs in the balance. Now former Laker Lonzo Ball is making headlines by questioning whether Reaves is worth anywhere near that figure.
“Nah, I’m not doing that,” Ball said on the “Ball in the Family” podcast. “I got $150 million for him… plays no defense. I keep him, but not for $240. I would trade him for Peyton Watson.”
It’s not exactly common practice for an active NBA player to be so outspoken on a peer’s contract situation, especially one still fighting to solidify a consistent rotation spot.
Ball was traded in February by Cleveland before making their playoff run and he was unceremoniously cut by Utah the same day he was traded to the team.
Ball’s comments were blunt: He labeled Reaves a “fourth option” type player and suggested the Lakers would be better off flipping him for Watson, a rising 3-and-D specialist for the Nuggets.
That perspective, while controversial, aligns closely with recent league reporting.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted that the “majority opinion” around the NBA is that Reaves will stay in Los Angeles, but likely for less than a full max.
Several scouts and executives project a deal closer to five years, $200 million, with one league source suggesting the Lakers would be “surprised if the first year starts with a 3 instead of a 4,” meaning they expect an annual salary in the $40 million range.
The tension lies in fit versus production. Reaves has evolved into one of the Lakers’ most reliable offensive creators, averaging over 23 points per game in the regular season while shouldering significant playmaking duties alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
But concerns about his defense, paired with Doncic’s own limitations on that end, have fueled skepticism about committing a massive portion of the salary cap to him.
Reaves’ brother Spencer fired back on social media, dismissing Ball’s criticism with a sarcastic jab: “They need to stop selling mics at Best Buy.”
The comparison between Reaves and Watson highlights a division at the core of the Lakers plan to build around Doncic this offseason, particularly the Slovenian’s liabilities on defense. Reaves is a high-usage offensive engine, capable of running pick-and-rolls and generating scoring bursts. Watson, meanwhile, is valued for versatility, length, and defensive impact, even if his offensive role is more limited.
For the Lakers, the decision is less about talent and more about roster construction. Pay Reaves the max and double down on offense, or pivot toward balance and defense at the cost of losing one of their most productive scorers.
Either way, the debate is only getting louder.
Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux dies at 60: Live updates
Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who was playoff MVP in 1995 and was involved in a controversial hit in 1996, died Thursday at age 60, the Montreal Canadiens announced.
Lemieux won his first Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.
“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” said Geoff Molson, owner and CEO of Groupe CH. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player."
Lemieux had carried the torch into Montreal's Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final.
Claude Lemieux carried the torch for Montreal on Monday before Game 3…
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 28, 2026
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/wpmkE47lyi
Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as the New Jersey Devils swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final. He had a league-best 13 goals that postseason.
Lemieux joined the Colorado Avalanche the following season and won his third Stanley Cup. During the postseason run, he hit Kris Draper from behind into the boards, disfiguring the Red Wings player's face. Lemieux received a two-game suspension.
The Red Wings and Avalanche got into a brawl the following season as they tried to get back at Lemieux.
Lemieux moved back to the Devils for one season in 1999-2000, winning his fourth Stanley Cup.
He finished his career with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars and then played 18 games with the San Jose Sharks in the 2008-09 season.
USA TODAY Sports contacted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office but has been notified that the information it has for Claude Lemieux is "exempt from public records." We will update this story as more information is released.
Claude Lemieux cause of death update
The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."
The Floridastatute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner’s Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.
Gary Bettman statement on Claude Lemieux
NHL commissioner has released a statement in the wake of Lemieux's death.
"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history," he wrote. You can read the full statement here.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claude Lemieux, four-time Stanley Cup winner, dies at 60
Will Jalen Williams Play Tonight vs Spurs? NBA Playoffs Injury Update for Game 6
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Stop us if you've heard this before, but Jalen Williams remains with a questionable tag that has been attached to him for the majority of the 2026 postseason.
With the San Antonio Spurs back home to try and force a Game 7, the Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping their star guard can suit up.
Here's a look at the Jalen Williams odds for Game 6, as we provide some Thunder vs. Spurs predictions surrounding the guard if he gets the green light.
Key takeaways
- Injury status - While no call has been made officially, Jalen Williams remains questionable as he looks to get back from a hamstring injury
- Best bet to make: Jalen Williams Over 0.5 threes (-140)- With Williams likely trying to avoid challenging Wemby in the paint on a bum hamstring, he will likely opt to shoot more from deep
- More available props - Books have priced the majority of props in advance in case J-Dub is good to go, posting points (13.5, +102), assists (3.5, -110), and rebounds (3.5, -110).
- McCain brings the pain - If Williams sits out, Jared McCain will surely continue to get increased floor time for OKC. The Year 2 pro started in Game 5 and will likely get the nod again after putting up 20 points. His points line currently sits at 12.5 (-135)
- Shorthanded Thunder - Williams isn't the only player who would sit for OKC, with Ajay Mitchell already ruled out for Game 6
Will Jalen Williams play tonight?
Jalen Williams suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in OKC's opening-round series against the Suns, and he hasn't been able to shake the damn thing since.
J-Dub went on to miss the entire series against the Lakers in Round 2, and he's missed every outing since leaving Game 2.
Hamstring injuries aren't anything OKC wants to eff around with, so it is likely he sits another night with the Thunder holding a 3-2 series lead. As of now, no call has been made.
Latest Thunder vs Spurs odds
Jalen Williams player props tonight
Sportsbooks have posted player props for Jalen Williams for Game 6, just in case he's ready to go for tonight.
| Market |  |
|---|---|
| Over 13.5 points | +102 |
| Over 3.5 assists | -110 |
| Over 3.5 rebounds | -110 |
| Over 0.5 threes | -145 |
| Over 0.5 steals | -180 |
Even if Jalen Williams does play, it's hard to predict how many minutes the Thunder want to run on that tender hamstring. The play that caught my eye was his 3-point prop.
We only need one to cash it, and J-Dub will likely rather heave from deep than try to test his luck in the paint against Victor Wembanyama.
If player props are your thing, head over to our favorite Thunder vs. Spurs props!
Pick: Jalen Williams Over 0.5 threes (-145 at bet365)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
Sens Nation With Steve Warne: The Hockey News' Ottawa Senators Podcast
In this episode of Sens Nation, we discuss Pierre LeBrun’s report that Claude Giroux has decided to return for another season. Surely, it's only a matter of time before he and the Ottawa Senators get a deal done, right?
We also debate whether pending unrestricted free agent Viktor Arvidsson could be a good fit in Ottawa, and whether moving Dylan Cozens to the wing would make sense for the Senators this fall. Cozens sure looks good in that spot at the World Hockey Championships.
Plus:
Montreal Canadiens fans in Gatineau, along with the Quebec government, push back after the NHL (and probably the Senators) shut down a planned Habs fan viewing party at the Slush Puppie Centre on Saturday. After losing that game, it wouldn't have been much of a party anyway.
The Senators, who just got a new alternate jersey this season will be getting yet another one next season.
What is the PWHL trying to accomplish with player salary disclosure?
Former Senators Jason York is heading into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
Subscribe to the show for Ottawa Senators news, NHL analysis, trade rumours, game breakdowns, and weekly Sens Nation episodes.
Claude Lemieux’s death revealed as suicide — just days after carrying torch at Eastern Conference finals
Claude Lemieux’s death at the age of 60 was revealed to be by suicide, according to TMZ.
He was found in the warehouse of a furniture store owned by his family in Florida at around 3 am after they’d become concerned he had not come home, per the outlet.
The NHL Alumni Association announced the four-time Stanley Cup-winning forward’s death on Thursday.
It came just days after he carried the torch in Montreal’s Bell Centre before the Canadiens took on the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals on Monday.
Lemieux won the first of his four Cups with the Habs in 1986, adding two more as a member of the Devils (1995, 2000) and a one with the Avalanche (1996).
“A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history,” the Devils said in a statement. “Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to.”
A famed agitator, Lemieux posted 379 goals and 786 points in 1,215 NHL games, but picked up his game most in the postseason, notching 80 goals and 158 points in 234 playoff matches.
“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game Players in hockey history,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
“Lemieux forged his postseason reputation and won the Cup for the first time as a rookie in 1986, when he scored 10 goals in the Playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoffs MVP in 1995, scoring 13 goals in 20 postseason games with the New Jersey Devils. He also was an integral part of Cup-winning teams in Colorado, in 1996, and back with New Jersey in 2000.”
After retiring from pro hockey in 2009, Lemieux went on to become a certified player agent, representing Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen and Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider.
“He’s like family,” Andersen told The North State Journal’s Cory Lavalette after Game 3.
Lemieux is surived by his wife, Deborah, and four children, including son Brendan, a former Rangers forward.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
Claude Lemieux, a feisty winger and a four-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 60
MONTREAL, CANADA- MAY 25: Claude Lemieux carries the torch in the opening ceremony of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Matt Garies/NHLI via Getty Images)
Matt Garies/NHLI via Getty Images
Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion whose hockey career was built on playing on the edge with ferocity and physicality, has died. He was 60.
The NHL Alumni Association announced Lemieux’s death in a post on social media. A cause of death was not immediately available, nor was it clear where Lemieux was when he died.
Lemieux was the Montreal Canadiens’ torch bearer prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre.
As a player, Lemieux was a mix of skill and abrasiveness, not afraid to cross the line in the name of competition.
He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for his role in helping the New Jersey Devils win their first championship in 1995. A year later with the Colorado Avalanche, he was suspended for two games for a hit from behind on Detroit’s Kris Draper on the way to them hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in their first season since moving from his native Quebec.
Lemieux also won the Cup with Montreal in 1986 and returned to the Devils to be a part of their title run in 2000. He played 1,449 regular-season and playoff games with six different teams from 1983-2009.
Lemieux had become an agent in the years since his playing career ended and represented Carolina’s Frederik Andersen, New Jersey’s Timo Meier, Detroit’s Moritz Seider and Boston’s Hampus Lindholm among more than a dozen clients in the NHL.